Selank

Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) developed at the Russian Institute of Molecular Genetics. It is a structural analog of the immunomodulatory tetrapeptide tuftsin (TKPR), with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro extension that confers proteolytic stability and prolongs biological activity in research models.

Selank inhibits plasma enkephalin-degrading enzymes (IC50 ~15 µM), prolonging endogenous enkephalin signaling. Preclinical data also report GABA-A subunit expression modulation and serotonergic/noradrenergic rebalancing. Unlike benzodiazepines, anxiolytic-like effects occur without sedation, motor coordination deficits, or withdrawal phenomena in rodent studies.

Intranasal Selank in rat models rapidly upregulates BDNF mRNA in the hippocampus, with transcript elevation observable within hours. BDNF protein curves show a transient dip followed by sustained elevation above baseline, supporting Selank as a research tool for peptide-mediated neurotrophic regulation.

The N-terminal Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg fragment of Selank is identical to tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory tetrapeptide. Selank retains tuftsin-like effects on cytokine profiles (IL-6, IFN-γ), making it a research tool for studying peptide-mediated immune-neural crosstalk in preclinical cohorts.

Lyophilized Selank should be stored at -20°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store at 2-8°C and use within 14 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and protect from light.

Selank is not FDA approved. It is registered as a pharmaceutical in the Russian Federation but has no regulatory clearance in the United States. Our research-grade Selank is supplied for in vitro and ex vivo laboratory research only and is not intended for human or veterinary use.